Out and About with DynamicRock
Well Summer is pretty much under way and we have had some great sunny weather, and here at dynamic rock we have started our summer series of courses aimed at getting climbers outside onto the real stuff!
First of the Junior climbing team spent there half term training sessions outside, with a session at Dinas Rock and one at Rotherslade on the Gower. Both sessions were great fun although we did get attacked by midges at Dinas Rock with some of the team looking although they had chicken pox by the time we left! the juniors climbed on the newly cleaned roadside crags and bouldered at Kennelgarth wall.
Ashleigh bouldering at Dinas
At Rotherslade we spent the evening Bouldering at a location known locally as "sewage Pipe" for obvious reasons, although its not as bad as it sounds . the guys and girls had a fantastic time making endless challenges up on the funky rock formations and caves that are found there. they also finished the evening with a BBQ on the beach!
Maddy Bouldering at Rotherslade
Away from the Junior Climbing team we have run several courses the first of which was the "Trad climbing" weekend.
This weekend course is aimed at giving climbers the skills needed to start Trad climbing on the Local cliffs in our area. The subject of Trad climbing is vast and many books on techniques and skills are available but our courses are aimed to give the chance to try these out for real on the crag whilst under the supervision of our Instructors.
Dave Phillips Teaching on our Trad Course.
The courses is not aimed at climbing hard I should point out that for the weekend we will be climbing on relatively easy ground to concentrate rope work skills and keeping yourself and your climbing partner safe.
The first Trad course this year was a great Success with all climbers completing there first lead climbs, and this came to a great finally of climbing Great Tor, a classic 4 pitch Route on the Gower.
Chris on his first trad lead
The Weekend just gone also saw the second Sport Climbing Trip. This Time we climbed on the Gower at a crag known as Watch House. This is a delightful Slab of Limestone tucked away below South gate and the National Trust car park. Although its gentle angle at first glance may give the impression that the climbs will be quite simple, upon closer inspection the holds turn out to be quite small and good foot work is the order of the day if success is to be had.
Charlie climbing at Watch House
The Climbers all enjoyed the day with everyone completing many routes graded between F4 and F6b. Rowan Rumble should take a special mention for managing to lead a F6a in his massively over sized trainers ( although i do not recommend this ) well done also Charlie and Angharad for completing the first lead climbs (having never lead before inside or out) Tim for taking a great all action fall and Ben for holding him! Also Eleri for having her first ever go at outside climbing and completing her first outside lead!
Climbers enjoying a great sunny day at Watch House
We have a whole summer timetable of up and coming courses and Trips for you all to get involved in this summer and Autumn from Deep Water Soloing in Pembroke to Bouldering in the french paradise of Fontainblea.
check out the Up and coming events page for a full diary of courses to keep you outside this Summer.
happy climbing
simon
for more pics of courses see the photos section
for info on the crags mentioned in the blog check out the South Wales Mountaineering club Wiki online Guide book
